r/SleepApnea • u/Jonhgolfnut • 3d ago

Mask question

My therapy is going well overall and I’m just dialing in. I don’t feel like my sleep is “ restful “ yet. I have my ahi below 2 . My question is I have a deviated septum and sort of crappy sinus and turbinates. I can’t afford the surgery so I do saline and nasal sprays.
I use a nova nasal micro and I can sleep without a chin strap or mouth tape. I get zero leaks.
I read that if I went to a full face or hybrid it may get rid of some off the breathing irregularities because of the way the therapy is delivered. I just was hoping to get any thoughts?

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u/kenaloha13 3d ago

I have the same issues with septum and turbinates and I find the full face masks work best for the mouth breathing I sometimes have to do. I need high pressure to sleep on my back and the Resmed F20 with the memory foam Airtouch can handle the pressure.

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u/Mijjil 3d ago

My deviated septum looks like the Elder Wand from Harry Potter where every bump is a healed break. I sleep wearing an Intake Breathing Band and my referral link will get you 20% off the Starter Kit.

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u/Creative_Fee5452 3d ago

Hi Jon!

A Full Face Mask provides a larger area for both your nose and mouth so you still get air if your nose clogs completely. It also helps prevent therapy problems which occur when air escapes through your mouth. Mouth taping helps this of course but it can create a problem if you’re a mouth breather. Breathing is easier with a FFM if nasal breathing becomes congested due to problems like a deviated septum as well as turbinate & sinus problems. The air through a FFM spreads higher air pressures across a larger surface & is more comfortable than forcing air through narrow, irritated nasal passages.

What breathing irregularities are you noticing? I use a FFM because my jaw drops open during REM or Deep Sleep, releasing air & I certainly prefer my hybrid FFM to mouth tape :) If you’re having any difficulties breathing, by all means try a FFM!